early 19th century

For this writing box, the renowned lacquer artist Yo_yu_sai was inspired by a poem that occurs in the 9th century Tales of Ise, attributed to the courtier Ariwara Narihira (depicted on the cover of the box). When the protagonist of the story (possibly Narihira himself) comes upon a marsh of blossoming irises, he composes a poem beginning each line with a syllable from the Japanese word for iris (kakitsubata):

Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects, Lacquerware | Lacquer on wood with gold, lead and mother-of-pearl

Size:

1-1/2 x 9 x 9-5/8 in. (3.8 x 22.9 x 24.4 cm)

Creation Place:

Asia, Japan

Culture:

Asia, Japan

Style:

19th century, Edo period

Inscriptions:

"after Korin, Yoyusai (Kakihan)", inscribed below inkstone

Physical Description:

gold lacquer box with inlaid decoration of man on horseback on top of cover and flowers and a footpath on underside of cover; compartmentalized tray for inksone, rectangular water dropper, knife and two brushes with floral inlay